What Song Does Werewolves of London Sample?

By Anna Duncan

Werewolves of London is a classic rock song that has been popularized over the years. The song, which was released in 1978, features a distinctive piano riff that is instantly recognizable.

But have you ever wondered where that piano riff came from? In this article, we will explore the origin of the sample used in Werewolves of London.

The Sample

The piano riff in Werewolves of London is actually a sample from a song called “Sweet Little Sixteen” by Chuck Berry. Berry was an American singer and songwriter who was known for his contributions to rock and roll music. “Sweet Little Sixteen” was released in 1958 and was a huge hit at the time.

The Piano Riff

The piano riff in Werewolves of London comes from the opening bars of “Sweet Little Sixteen”. It’s a simple yet catchy melody that is played on the piano. Warren Zevon, who wrote and performed Werewolves of London, heard the sample while he was listening to the radio one day and decided to use it in his own song.

How It Was Used

Zevon didn’t just use the sample as it was though. He added his own spin to it by changing up the rhythm slightly and adding some additional notes. The result was a piano riff that sounded similar to “Sweet Little Sixteen” but also had its own unique sound.

Other Songs That Sampled “Sweet Little Sixteen”

“Sweet Little Sixteen” has been sampled by several other artists over the years as well. One notable example is “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys. The melody of “Surfin’ USA” is very similar to that of “Sweet Little Sixteen”, leading to a lawsuit between Berry and The Beach Boys.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the piano riff in Werewolves of London was sampled from “Sweet Little Sixteen” by Chuck Berry. Warren Zevon heard the sample on the radio and decided to use it in his own song.

He added his own spin to the riff, creating a unique sound that has become a classic in its own right. It’s interesting to note that “Sweet Little Sixteen” has been sampled by other artists as well, further cementing its place in rock and roll history.